Michele Rizzo: Italy and Leicester prop out for up to eight months

Michele Rizzo scores a try during Italy's World Cup Pool D match against Canada at Elland Road

Leicester Tigers prop Michele Rizzo will be out of action for up to eight months after injuring his knee playing for Italy in the World Cup.

The 33-year-old revealed on Twitter he will have surgery on a torn anterior cruciate ligament on 20 October.

Rizzo was injured in his country's 16-9 defeat by Ireland on Sunday.

Meanwhile director of rugby Richard Cockerill says Tigers are still looking to sign a centre, but will not pursue their interest in Maxime Mermoz.

Cockerill admitted they "flirted with him a little bit", but the France international has decided he wants to stay at Toulon.